5.0(1 Reviews)Florida Everglades Peacock Bass Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Target trophy Peacock bass in Florida's pristine backcountry watersCatch 2050 fish using artificial lures and fly fishing techniquesSixhour guided adventure accommodating up to two anglers
Picture this: you're casting into the heart of the Everglades, surrounded by pristine backcountry waters where aggressive peacock bass are waiting to absolutely crush your lure. This isn't your typical bass fishing trip - we're talking about targeting some of the most explosive fighters in South Florida's waters. Over six hours, you'll work the canals and hidden spots where these exotic beauties thrive, and trust me, they don't mess around when they hit your bait. Most anglers walk away with 20-50 fish under their belt, and these aren't just numbers - we're talking trophy-sized peacocks that'll test every bit of your light tackle setup.
This top-rated backcountry experience puts you right in the sweet spot where Florida's canal systems meet the wild Everglades. We're talking about waters that most anglers never get to see - remote stretches where peacock bass have been thriving since they were introduced decades ago. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but when you add in the non-stop action from aggressive fish, it becomes something special. You'll be working both artificial lures and fly gear, switching up techniques as we read the water and find where the fish are stacked up. The intimate 2-angler setup means you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your casts without bumping elbows. Don't expect any downtime - these fish are known for their aggressive strikes, and when they're feeding, the action can be absolutely electric.
Light tackle is the name of the game here, and for good reason - peacock bass fight way above their weight class, and you want to feel every head shake and run. We'll have you rigged up with spinning gear that can handle the fight but still gives you that sporting experience these fish deserve. On the artificial side, we're talking topwater plugs, spoons, and jigs that mimic the baitfish these peacocks hammer all day long. The fly fishing action is equally impressive - streamers and poppers that get crushed in explosive surface strikes you'll remember for years. The key is reading the structure and understanding how these fish relate to cover, drop-offs, and current breaks. We'll work everything from canal edges to hidden pockets where big fish like to ambush prey. The technique changes throughout the day as conditions shift, but that's what keeps it interesting and productive.
Peacock bass are the stars of this show, and once you hook into one, you'll understand why anglers get obsessed with them. These South American natives adapted perfectly to Florida's canal systems and now offer some of the best light tackle action in the state. They're ambush predators with incredible speed and power, known for their acrobatic jumps and bulldogging runs that'll have your drag screaming. The best part? They're aggressive year-round, though spring and fall tend to produce the most consistent trophy action. What makes them so addictive is their willingness to hit both surface and subsurface presentations - one minute you're watching a topwater explosion, the next you're fighting a fish that grabbed a jig on the drop.
Largemouth bass add another dimension to the day, especially the Florida strain that grows fat and happy in these nutrient-rich waters. These aren't your typical pond bass - Everglades largemouths have access to incredible forage and can reach impressive sizes. They tend to be more structure-oriented than the peacocks, relating to vegetation edges and deeper holes in the canal systems. When they're feeding, they'll absolutely demolish the same lures that attract peacock bass, making for some exciting mixed-bag fishing. The cooler months often produce the biggest largemouths as they feed heavily before spawning season.
Oscar provide bonus action throughout the trip, and while they might not have the peacock's reputation, they're scrappy fighters that'll surprise you. These cichlids have established solid populations in the canal systems and offer consistent action when other species might be less active. They're particularly fond of smaller presentations and can be counted on to keep your rod bent when you're working through spots between the bigger fish. Don't let their size fool you - pound for pound, they're legitimate fighters that know how to use the current and structure to their advantage.
This world-class peacock bass experience represents everything that makes Everglades fishing special - diverse species, consistent action, and backcountry settings you won't find anywhere else. The 20-50 fish average isn't just marketing talk - it's what happens when you put experienced guides together with productive waters and aggressive fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add peacock bass to your list or someone who wants to experience Florida fishing at its finest, this trip delivers on every level. The intimate 2-person capacity means you're not fighting crowds or waiting for your turn to fish prime spots. Six hours gives you time to really work the water and experience the full range of techniques that make these fish so addictive to target. Ready to see what all the fuss is about? These spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is at its absolute best.
Jump aboard our brand new 2025 Maverick 18 HPXV, the perfect shallow water machine for stalking trophy peacock bass in the Florida Everglades backcountry. This technical skiff is built specifically for navigating the tight mangrove creeks and grass flats where big peacocks hunt. The Yamaha 115 SHO gets you to the fish fast, while the wireless trolling motor lets you ghost into position without spooking wary bass. With GPS navigation to mark productive spots and a fish finder to locate structure, you'll spend more time casting and less time searching. The shallow draft design slips through water barely deep enough to float, accessing hidden pockets where these exotic fighters ambush prey. Built for serious anglers targeting serious fish in serious backcountry.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green-bodied bass with their trademark huge mouths are Florida classics, running 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds on average. They love hanging around shallow, weedy areas, submerged logs, and dock pilings where they can ambush prey. Spring through early summer is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot around 60°F and they're actively feeding. What makes them so popular is that aggressive strike and the fight they put up - they'll jump, shake, and test your drag. The meat's decent eating too if you keep a few from clean water. Here's a local trick: when fishing thick cover, don't be afraid to throw your lure right into the nastiest spots. Bass aren't shy, and that's exactly where the big ones are hiding.
Astronotus OcellatusOscars are chunky, aggressive cichlids that'll give you a real scrap on light tackle. These South American natives average 10-12 inches but can push over 18 inches and several pounds. They come in wild color patterns - tiger stripes, solid reds, blues, you name it. Look for them cruising slow near the bottom in canals, ponds, and marsh edges throughout the Everglades. They're year-round residents since they need warm water to survive. What's fun about oscars is they'll eat almost anything and fight like they're twice their size once hooked. The meat's actually pretty good eating - firm and chunky. They're not picky, but crickets and worms are money baits. Here's what works: fish them slow near structure since they're sluggish swimmers, but be ready when they hit because they turn into bulldogs real quick.
Cichla OcellarisDon't let the name fool you - peacocks aren't actually bass, but these South American cichlids fight twice as hard. Most run 12-14 inches, but we see plenty pushing 20+ inches with that distinctive black eyespot on their tail. They love rocky areas under bridges, canal intersections, and anywhere with structure in warm, slow-moving water. Can't handle temps below 60°F, so they stick to South Florida year-round. Peak action happens March through June and again September through December when they're most aggressive. Guests love them because they hit hard, fight dirty, and those bright colors are stunning. Plus, you can catch numbers - 20-50 fish days aren't uncommon. Pro tip: skip the plastic worms they ignore and throw topwater lures or live shiners instead. They can't resist movement on the surface.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Johnny works really hard. He put us onto a lot of different varieties of fish. Caught many peacock bass on the fly rod. T...
Delray Beach, FL